Songs of Experience
by U2
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 191
  3. Negative: 40 out of 191
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  1. Austerlitz
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Un très bon disque de U2, toujours en forme. Intéressant de bout en bout. Petit bémol peut-être au niveau de la cohérence.
  2. NolanLundgaard
    Mar 25, 2020
    8
    Songs of Experience by U2: 7.23

    Love Is All We Have Left: 0.5 Lights of Home: 1 :) You’re The Best Thing About Me: 1 :) Get Out of Your Own Way: 1 American Soul: 0.75 Summer of Love: 0.75 Red Flag Day: 1 :) The Showman (Little More Better): 0.75 The Little Things That Give You Away: 1 Landlady: 0.5 The Blackout: 1 :) Love is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way: 1 13 (There is    Songs of Experience by U2: 7.23

    Love Is All We Have Left: 0.5
    Lights of Home: 1 :)
    You’re The Best Thing About Me: 1 :)
    Get Out of Your Own Way: 1
    American Soul: 0.75
    Summer of Love: 0.75
    Red Flag Day: 1 :)
    The Showman (Little More Better): 0.75
    The Little Things That Give You Away: 1
    Landlady: 0.5
    The Blackout: 1 :)
    Love is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way: 1
    13 (There is a Light): 0.75
    Ordinary Love: 1 :)
    Book of Your Heart: 0.75

    12.75/15 = .85 -> 7.23

    Another awesome album by U2! At first I had my doubts, as the album was delayed for a while after its intended release, but Songs of Experience was definitely worth the wait! It’s a splendid continuation of U2’s previous album, Songs of Innocence, and puts a new spin on some of the songs of the previous album (Lights of Home with Iris, American Soul with Volcano, etc.). There weren’t really any songs I didn’t like, although Love Is All We Have Left and Landlady were kind of bland musically, and American Soul was slightly repetitive. Besides those, this is a another successful album from U2 and I would recommend it to all rock fans. Highlights: Lights of Home, You’re the Best Thing About Me, Get Out of Your Own Way, Red Flag Day, The Little Things That Give You Away, The Blackout, Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way, and Ordinary Love.    … Expand
  3. Critine
    Oct 11, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The 14th Studio album braces worldwide change that leaves U2 to form their own Rock ‘n Roll sanctuary on Songs of Experience. Compelling bass lines and engraving lyrics along with Edge’s amazing performance on The Blackout leaves the audience in shock and awe. These elements were sadly not present on their last 2 albums Songs of Innocence (which this is a sequel to) and No Line on the Horizon. Seeing these elements again brings a smile upon my face.

    However some songs can get too political. For example the 2nd verse in Get Out Of Your Own Way, with the “face of liberty is starting to crack”, referencing Bono’s opinion on American democracy which in this case, is degrading.

    Overall, this album is a blast and will go down as one of U2’s finest. Well done!    … Expand
  4. TheRaggedFlygon
    Mar 10, 2019
    7
    Songs of Experience is a MASSIVE improvement over the unwanted Songs of Innocence. This album has several songs that sound more in line with classic U2 works. A lot of tracks still feel generic and some have lyrics that feel forced. Nevertheless, there are a couple of really good additions to the U2 discography of this record.

    This is the group's best album since "How to Dismantle an    Songs of Experience is a MASSIVE improvement over the unwanted Songs of Innocence. This album has several songs that sound more in line with classic U2 works. A lot of tracks still feel generic and some have lyrics that feel forced. Nevertheless, there are a couple of really good additions to the U2 discography of this record.

    This is the group's best album since "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb", but they will need to continue working at it if they ever hope to release an album that could contend for one of their best works.    … Expand
  5. reviewsandstuff
    Nov 3, 2018
    6
    (Conor's Reviews & Stuff - Facebook)

    U2 is a machine. An industry all its own. An institution built up over 40+ years that has withstood critical and commercial bashings of awesome proportions. From 1997’s epically overcooked (or undercooked, depending who you ask) ‘Pop’ which was the album equivalent of a car rolling over because it came into a corner too fast, to a miscalculation of a    (Conor's Reviews & Stuff - Facebook)

    U2 is a machine. An industry all its own. An institution built up over 40+ years that has withstood critical and commercial bashings of awesome proportions. From 1997’s epically overcooked (or undercooked, depending who you ask) ‘Pop’ which was the album equivalent of a car rolling over because it came into a corner too fast, to a miscalculation of a different sort, 2014’s ‘Songs of Innocence’, which will sadly be remembered more for the method by which it was delivered than for its moments of brilliance (sparse though they were). Yet still they have endured, seemingly quite effortlessly. U2 don’t care if you hate them. However insufferable you think they are, they are more than happy to play to the stadiums that they regularly pack for strings of nights, and if you never get it, it’s no skin off their nose.

    How peculiar then that a band who have become so adept at rumbling through outside opinion like an icebreaker have now released an album which could be considered their most self-conscious to date. In some moments, open examination of many of the traits that have so aggravated their nay-sayers (see ’The Showman [Little More Better]). But Bono has been a pariah to the ‘NME’ crowd for so long that he likely won’t even be given credit for agreeing with them.

    ‘Songs of Experience’ has been touted by some critics as U2’s best album this century. I remain of the extremely unpopular opinion that that honour rests with 2009’s ‘No Line On the Horizon’, the first of two consecutive albums which took five years to produce, the second being the aforementioned ‘Songs of Innocence’, which dealt, lyrically, with the band’s formative years and, for its faults, stuck faithfully and, in my opinion, effectively to its personal, introspective theme. ‘Experience’, on the other hand, can’t decide whether it wants to be personal or political. Much has been made of U2 writing politically over the years. Indeed, some reference to it can usually be found in the first few lines of any brief biography of the band. U2’s political peak came on November 8th, 1987 at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. During a performance of ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, Bono passionately condemned an IRA bombing which had taken place that day in Northern Ireland. That performance was recorded for the band’s ill-fated documentary/album ‘Rattle and Hum’ and I defy you to watch it without getting chills. Since then, nothing they have done in that sphere has had quite the same bite, though altruism abounds. I remain staunchly convinced that U2 are at their best when they direct their lens inward rather than out, the results being their gloriously inventive 90s decadence, best represented by their masterpiece, 1991’s ‘Achtung Baby’, which remains one of the most important albums in alternative rock music.

    The band’s decision to ‘rethink’ this latest album following Donald Trump’s election seems to have significantly muddied the thematic waters of ’Songs of Experience’.

    Musically, this album is certainly an achievement for U2. At times, U2 flex their considerable muscle at turning out some of the best stadium pop rock commercially available, as well as some uncharacteristic textures that work out rather well, most notable on the moody opener 'Love Is All We Have Left'.

    The heights that 'Songs of Experience' hits are as significant as any they’ve hit since ‘Beautiful Day’. Vibrant front half track ‘Get Out of Your Own Way’ may well be U2’s last great jewel, but the dips are too low for this album to be considered any great triumph.    … Expand
  6. AspectWindow
    Jun 4, 2018
    9
    A bit of a return to form, showing some of the energy they likely found in themselves while touring the anniversary of The Joshua Tree last year. No real new ground, but a lot to please fans.
  7. Thenewone
    May 18, 2018
    8
    es muy mejor que su débil gemelo predecesor, no es un excelente àlbum, lejos de ser uno dos mejores àlbum de U2, ni es uno de los mejores álbums de U2 de este siglo, ATYCLB y HTDAB es los 2 mejores álbums de U2 deste siglo, y NLOTH es el tercero muy lejos, pero es bien mejor que SOI.

    Punto culminante LandLady The little things that give you away The Blackout You're the best thing    es muy mejor que su débil gemelo predecesor, no es un excelente àlbum, lejos de ser uno dos mejores àlbum de U2, ni es uno de los mejores álbums de U2 de este siglo, ATYCLB y HTDAB es los 2 mejores álbums de U2 deste siglo, y NLOTH es el tercero muy lejos, pero es bien mejor que SOI.

    Punto culminante
    LandLady
    The little things that give you away
    The Blackout
    You're the best thing about me
    Love is bigger than anything in it's way
    The Showman (little more better)    … Expand
  8. Ricko
    Apr 6, 2018
    9
    The internet would have you believe U2 are the most hated band in the world. Their ticket sales and to a slighty lesser extent, album sales suggest another story. I liked many elements of its predecessor, "Songs of Innocence" although I felt the songs came across far better when played live than on the record with a mix of producers resulting in a inconsistent feel. Having been a huge fanThe internet would have you believe U2 are the most hated band in the world. Their ticket sales and to a slighty lesser extent, album sales suggest another story. I liked many elements of its predecessor, "Songs of Innocence" although I felt the songs came across far better when played live than on the record with a mix of producers resulting in a inconsistent feel. Having been a huge fan for 20 years plus I was always going to be looking forward to this album even though I can't say I was blown away by the first 2 singles (the albums only truly poor song "The Blackout" and the sanitised Stones sounding "You're The Best Thing About Me"). I did like "Get Out Of Your Own Way" though and when I finally got to hear the full album I found the rest of the material far more interesting and emotive. "The Little Things That Give You Away" ranks among the bands best songs and the album deserves to be heard for this track alone. "Lights of Home", "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" and "Landlady" are other tracks that build to a point where the listener is truly sucked in. "Summer of Love" and "Red Flag Day" at the centre of the album are other highlights. Essentially, if you took off a few of the lead singles, the album demonstrates a surprising level of brilliance considering how many miles are on the clock for the band. In summary, it's not perfect and it's not necessarily fresh but it does have some of their strongest work in decades. Unusually for these lads, the second half of the album is the stronger side in my own humble opinion. It's bursting with tunes and melody and I love that. Music is all about enjoyment and "Songs of Experience" has bought me a lot of that.… Expand
  9. sicrano
    Mar 22, 2018
    8
    Parece que o U2 não está muito inspirado desde do How To Dismantle an atomic bomb, Songs of Innocence então foi o fundo do poço, no lado bom Songs of Experience é bem melhor que o Innocence.

    Mas ainda não é suficiente para aquela que já foi a melhor banda de rock de todos os tempos. Highlights: Landlady, Love is bigger than anything in it's way, The Blackout, Love is all we have    Parece que o U2 não está muito inspirado desde do How To Dismantle an atomic bomb, Songs of Innocence então foi o fundo do poço, no lado bom Songs of Experience é bem melhor que o Innocence.

    Mas ainda não é suficiente para aquela que já foi a melhor banda de rock de todos os tempos.

    Highlights: Landlady, Love is bigger than anything in it's way, The Blackout, Love is all we have left, The Litlle Things that give you way, The Showman (Litlle more better), You're the best thing about me, & Get out of our own way.

    Really Terrible and the worst song of the album: American Soul

    Could be way better: 13 (There is a light), Summer of love, Lights of home.    … Expand
  10. oliverw
    Jan 22, 2018
    2
    I witnessed with horror over the years as U2 and Coldplay were heading towards each other, colliding like the andromoder galaxy into the milky way, but U2 have now just gone further and sound more like Coldplay than Coldplay.
  11. originalfoo
    Jan 12, 2018
    9
    A vastly underrated effort. In my opinion, among their best work without Eno or Lanois. Less bloated than its far inferior predecessor -- they are not trying to pull a hit single out of every track "Revolver" style. Also it feels as their most "edge" album since Zooropa. Very satisfying!
  12. yetino
    Jan 2, 2018
    10
    U2s new records suffer from being constantly compared to either Achtung Baby or The Joshua Tree and hence such low ratings mostly from so called professional critiscs who wait for another breakthrough album. Whereas the lastest album proves that the band is still one of best in the world - relevant as ever. Beautifully crafted songs with powerful lyrics - pure pleasure to listen to,U2s new records suffer from being constantly compared to either Achtung Baby or The Joshua Tree and hence such low ratings mostly from so called professional critiscs who wait for another breakthrough album. Whereas the lastest album proves that the band is still one of best in the world - relevant as ever. Beautifully crafted songs with powerful lyrics - pure pleasure to listen to, especially after few listens as U2's albums always need time to be fully appreciated.
    Some complain that SoE is like listening to Coldplay - maybe the sound is a bit Coldplayish in its atmosphere but let us not forget that it was Coldplay that U2 inspired and they set off on their musical journey some twenty years later. The beautifully haunting and ambient Love is All we have left brings the memories of Unforgettable Fire and then it is almost every track that brings something from Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree or certainly SoI. The only track that sounds bit flat is American Soul, but it does not spoil the whole impression that it is yet another strong album of the band that brings joy and hope to millions of fans worldwide.    … Expand
  13. Music_Observer
    Dec 21, 2017
    7
    U2 continue to do what they’ve always done and find inspiration through politics and love, though this individual passion project shows an absence of musical care and reliance on intuition over potential, which still produced some forceful choruses and nice delicate guitar textures to make it more enjoyable than much of today’s popular market. My Score: 129/180 (Good) = 7.2/10
  14. u2fan
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favorite album by U2

    Power full, complete. My favorite song at moment is Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way.

    The live versions on BBC Special was awesome. Lights Of Home was the best one in my opinion. Love it!    … Expand
  15. tandream
    Dec 17, 2017
    10
    Their best album from 2004. This album contains the real U2 band without any contamination and reassume all their best in any song you could listen to. Very appreciated and a great surprise. The Bono Vox testament of his music and voice.
  16. Primrosehill
    Dec 16, 2017
    3
    They try but something has gone missing. Only a couple of songs are alright but otherwise the production is somewhat horrid. Remembering how utterly fresh and capable their sound was in the early years. As a longtime fan these last albums have been disappointing but well, we all get old.
  17. Mr-Voorhees
    Dec 16, 2017
    10
    U2 is one of, if not, the most polarizing bands in history. They have made a few mistakes/rubbed people the wrong way but none of that should affect their music. People act like disliking them it the "cool" thing to do but why? Because they skirted their taxes around Ireland? Big deal, tons of celebrities do. They have done more for this world than any other band, their music is soU2 is one of, if not, the most polarizing bands in history. They have made a few mistakes/rubbed people the wrong way but none of that should affect their music. People act like disliking them it the "cool" thing to do but why? Because they skirted their taxes around Ireland? Big deal, tons of celebrities do. They have done more for this world than any other band, their music is so positive and uplifting. Not to mention the One and Red Campaign for AIDS and Africa.

    U2 is EXACTLY what the world needs right now and this album proves it. Definitely their best since HTDAAB (and before that Achtung Baby). All they really want to do is make a difference with their music and this album is a perfect example. So happy they still make music and want to change the world. Keep it up boys!    … Expand
  18. MES
    Dec 15, 2017
    9
    I'm sort of shocked by some of the haters out there. While I'm not a huge U2 fan, I am a fan of well-constructed, thoughtful and tuneful music. U2 scores on all three counts. While I liked No Line and Songs of Innocence, this album is far superior. There is almost no filler (not a fan of Landlady, but some good lyrics). The rest of the songs boast compelling lyrics, catchy melodiesI'm sort of shocked by some of the haters out there. While I'm not a huge U2 fan, I am a fan of well-constructed, thoughtful and tuneful music. U2 scores on all three counts. While I liked No Line and Songs of Innocence, this album is far superior. There is almost no filler (not a fan of Landlady, but some good lyrics). The rest of the songs boast compelling lyrics, catchy melodies and unassailable musicianship. I consider this album one of the top 10 of the year. It doesn't break any molds or trailblaze like the work of Kendrick Lamar (who appears on this album), David Bowie or Frank Ocean, but this is U2 at the top of their game and no one can argue that their game is anything less than stellar. I think history will view this album as one of their strongest ones.....but then, history is slow to pass any judgments.… Expand
  19. Renatao
    Dec 15, 2017
    7
    Acredito que no geral o álbum ficou num nível bom, mas nada comparado aos grandes álbuns da carreira da banda. Tem algumas músicas boas, umas poucas excelentes e algumas ruins. No geral a nota 7 seria a mais compatível com o nível do álbum.
  20. raciocinio
    Dec 14, 2017
    8
    Is like a "Guilty Pleasure" U2 Album, seeing the Standard of U2 Albums, and before others U2 Fans criticize me, i'm not even talking about U2 Very Famous Standard Quality albums like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.

    Because for me "All That You Can't Leave Behind" & "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is two U2 Masterpiece for 21st Century. But talking on the good side of this record, me    Is like a "Guilty Pleasure" U2 Album, seeing the Standard of U2 Albums, and before others U2 Fans criticize me, i'm not even talking about U2 Very Famous Standard Quality albums like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.

    Because for me "All That You Can't Leave Behind" & "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is two U2 Masterpiece for 21st Century. But talking on the good side of this record, me like "an old U2 fan" i see A Slight improvement against the last album SOI that for me and my family that also is huge old U2 fans is almost U2 "Rock Bottom", Songs Of Innocence is half saved of a total disaster thanks to 4 or 5 good songs what to make worse is basically on the first side of album.

    SOE is Slight improvement to SOI, and is almost on the Standard of NLOTH, But in Resume U2 still can not return to their his time of glory.

    Doesn't need to make another TJT or AB, like U2 most new fans wrongly thinks that "We Wanted" We that are U2 most critics fans of recent years and equally critics of their last albums.
    i clearly know that U2 still can not reach the High Standard that they reached in All That You Can't Leave Behind 2000 and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb 2004 albums.

    Apart for great lyrics of course tracks like "American Soul" "Lights of Home" "Raised by Wolves" "Volcano" "This is where you can reach me now" "Sleep Like a baby Tonight" is some of U2 "Worst songs of recent years". Very bad awful and uninspired melodies.

    Don't forget that U2 reach the Well Deserved slogan "of the Greatest and Best band of world", only because of their Great lyrics but also because of their Great and Beautiful melodies, and are in this last and highly important aspect that U2 Come Sinning Lately.    … Expand
  21. bevok
    Dec 12, 2017
    8
    I quite enjoyed the singles that preceded this album, and listening to it through its a cohesive album. The tracks have the classic U2 sound but with some contemporary touches and great tunes. The album rewards repeated listens. Standout tracks for me were "Love Is All We Have Left", "You're The Best Thing About Me", "Get Out of Your Own Way" and "Red Flag Day", but I don't think there areI quite enjoyed the singles that preceded this album, and listening to it through its a cohesive album. The tracks have the classic U2 sound but with some contemporary touches and great tunes. The album rewards repeated listens. Standout tracks for me were "Love Is All We Have Left", "You're The Best Thing About Me", "Get Out of Your Own Way" and "Red Flag Day", but I don't think there are any duds. There have been some negative reviews but from what I've seen they're either people who expected another Joshua Tree or alternatively some completely fresh new sound (unnamed). Listening on its own terms, a very enjoyable album.… Expand
  22. pekoe
    Dec 11, 2017
    2
    I bought JT on the day it was released and I was listening to nothing but this band for years prior. It pains me to say that they may have finally reached Bono's oft referenced point of no longer being relevant. The Sonic Architect (Edge) of the band is no longer breaking new ground and Bono's lyrics are as painful as listening to him speak in an interview (platitudes anyone?). TheI bought JT on the day it was released and I was listening to nothing but this band for years prior. It pains me to say that they may have finally reached Bono's oft referenced point of no longer being relevant. The Sonic Architect (Edge) of the band is no longer breaking new ground and Bono's lyrics are as painful as listening to him speak in an interview (platitudes anyone?). The production work is obvious and overwrought and nothing here qualifies as experimental. Every previous U2 had something positive to offset what I didn't like, but I'm struggling with this one.… Expand
  23. Edge72
    Dec 10, 2017
    8
    As good as Songs of Innocence but without the fillers. Last two albums has been an improvement and I think are the best after Zooropa. Outstanding production and strong songwriting.
  24. guilherme_soi
    Dec 10, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Songs Of Experience is perfect in all the ways. The lyrics, the songs... Is a complete journey to U2's world. The Little Things That Give You Away is one of the most beautiful songs by U2 of all time for example. I'm so glad to be a fan of this guys… Expand
  25. Pao_fin
    Dec 10, 2017
    9
    A bit less rock than what I'd have liked but it's still a great album. As usual with U2 the best part is the lyrics and this album delivers and delivers. Together with a couple of forgettable ultra pop songs, there're many others that send shivers down your spine. Given the due time they'll probably be the band's new classics.
    Landlady and Lights of Home, just to name a few, will be    A bit less rock than what I'd have liked but it's still a great album. As usual with U2 the best part is the lyrics and this album delivers and delivers. Together with a couple of forgettable ultra pop songs, there're many others that send shivers down your spine. Given the due time they'll probably be the band's new classics.
    Landlady and Lights of Home, just to name a few, will be really something to remember when played live.
    Looking forward to the next tour!    … Expand
  26. antmolly1995
    Dec 10, 2017
    1
    U2 clearly have no sense of direction left otherwise they wouldn't put their name to an album like this.

    I've been a fan from the beginning, but no longer. I'm done.
  27. FartyFartslot
    Dec 9, 2017
    8
    I love how the positive, yet constructive, reviews are the ones getting downvoted. Clearly orchestrated by members of the "I hate U2" bandwagon who have a goal to clearly undermine how most people really feel about it. Get a life...
  28. HannahK
    Dec 9, 2017
    2
    The positive reviews must surely come from die hard fans only. While I'm not exactly a fan, I have admired some of U2's work, so am no hater by any means. This album, even after repeated listenings just left me cold.
  29. summit
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    No Doubt much better than Songs of Innocence. At least this time the Production seems on track. We can't compare all the time each new released album back to Achtung Baby. Move on!!
  30. Ginger64
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    To me, The Unforgettable Fire is U2's best album. Something about that got to me emotionally almost immediately. SOE has had the same impact. And it has not waned after about 50 listens. It is truly an amazing album full of diversity of emotions, styles, themes and lyrics. It's heavy, light, epic, intimate, political, personal, spiritual. The weakest song is "You're the Best Thing AboutTo me, The Unforgettable Fire is U2's best album. Something about that got to me emotionally almost immediately. SOE has had the same impact. And it has not waned after about 50 listens. It is truly an amazing album full of diversity of emotions, styles, themes and lyrics. It's heavy, light, epic, intimate, political, personal, spiritual. The weakest song is "You're the Best Thing About Me," and even that is ok as it flows well as the third song on the album. Every band member is at peak form (though i could've used more searing solos from Edge). I agree with the reviewer who said something like you may just come to listen to one song, but you'll stay for more, if not the whole album. It pulls you in again and again. "The Little Things That Give You Away" has to be the best song i've heard in years by any band, young or old. (And i listen to a TON of new music of all genres.) It's that amazing. It's heart breaking and Bono has never sounded as vulnerable or as brave on a song. I can't believe "Summer of Love" wasn't the first single. It should be released as a single right away. Actually, there are so many songs that could be released as singles. "Red Flag Day" or "Love is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" or "Lights of Home." The opener "Love Is All We Have Left" is captivating, eerie, cosmic and personal all at the same time. "Get Out of Your Own Way" has one of the best choruses (bridges?) of a U2 song in ages -- the "I can sing it all night...but it's your fight" part -- spoiled only by the fact that they don't come back to it after the guitar solo, coming back instead to the "Get Out of Your Own Way" refrain. Can't believe all the band members and the hordes of producers let that happen (this song, which is great otherwise, is also somewhat spoiled by the drums sounding oddly muted...just like they did on "Miracle Drug"; why the producers keep hosing Larry, i'll never understand). I also wish they hadn't included the new mix of "Ordinary Love" (though it's a better version of the song than the original) as a bonus track...it's just not as melodic as the rest of the album and the band should've instead tried for a more rocking (even throwaway) song. All other bonus tracks are so worth it, especially "Book of Your Heart." People may not like U2 or any of the songs for whatever reason, but they can't deny that these are honest songs. This is them being authentic. That they can pull it off so melodically after so many decades should inspire younger bands. It's interesting to me how some critics only aspire to self-congratulatory writing when reviewing U2 albums ("I told those guys who's boss and made my still-mad-at-Songs of Innocence-auto-downloading-audience happy with me."), or so easily slag Bono for being Bono, while ignoring the fact that every musician, artist, politician or average Joe who's ever met or spent some time with any of U2 members has amazing things to say about them (ok, not counting Liam Gallagher). With such a strong album so late in its career, U2 is making history.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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#23 Most Discussed Album of 2017
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#19 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Record Collector
    Jan 5, 2018
    60
    The emotional climax of The Little Things That Give You Away is one of several moments that promise more than the album as a whole can deliver.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Dec 19, 2017
    60
    Songs of Experience, clicks into place more boldly than Songs of Innocence did three years ago. Tempos are alert, riffs punchy, melodies sharp. ... It’s also too bad the album’s second half gets stuck in pensive midtempo mode and never recovers.
    Read full review
  3. Clash Music
    Dec 12, 2017
    70
    It may not even share the same ambition as ‘No Line On The Horizon’ however, it’s an undeniable improvement on their two misfiring predecessors, marking this collection as their most cohesive and heartfelt in almost 15 years.
    Read full review
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